Detrimental effects of high levels of antioxidant vitamins C and E on placental function: considerations for the vitamins in preeclampsia (VIP) trial.
OBJECTIVE
Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins has been proposed to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and perinatal complications. In a recent study, it has been shown that this supplementation to above physiological doses does not reduce the risk of preeclampsia, but increases the rate of low birthweight babies, suggesting a detrimental effect on placental function, given the lower birthweight. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of high levels of antioxidants vitamins C and E on placental cells in vitro.


METHODS
Isolated fresh human cytotrophoblasts were exposed to high concentrations of vitamins C and E for 48 h. Then the secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were assessed.


RESULTS
High levels of vitamins C and E, separately or combined, decrease the secretion of hCG by cytotrophoblasts and increase their production of TNF-alpha.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure of cytotrophoblasts to high levels of antioxidant vitamins C and E may affect placental function, as reflected by decreased secretion of hCG; and placental immunity, as reflected by increased production of TNF-alpha. Such alterations are known to lead to endothelial dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as fetal growth restriction (FGR).
Aris
Aziz
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. aziz.aris@usherbrooke.ca
Leblanc
Samuel
S
Ouellet
Annie
A
Moutquin
Jean-Marie
JM
D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010920:Placenta / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000187:drug effects; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000975:Antioxidants; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D014810:Vitamin E; D001205:Ascorbic Acid